Strategically planted trees conserve energy by providing shade in summer and serving as windbreaks in winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and costs.

By fixing carbon during photosynthesis and storing it as biomass, trees act as a sink for CO2. Thus, growing trees reduce the level of atmospheric carbon and help to maintain a stable climate.

Trees slow the flow of water during heavy rain storm events and absorb water to reduce the impact of flooding. 

Trees filter the air we breathe and reduce pollutants and noise.

Trees are essential for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. 

Trees make our neighborhoods more attractive and desirable places to live, work, and play. Studies show trees increase property values 3-15%. 

Pull mulch away from the tree trunk and root flare and avoid  “volcano” mulching, which involves piling mulch up at the base of trees. Extend mulch out to the tree’s drip line, if possible, and incorporate fallen leaves as a natural mulch. 

Arborists recommend organic mulches over rocks or inorganic mulch. Organic mulch such as woodchips, hardwood mulch, leaf mulch, or simply leaving the leaves within the drip line provide benefits to the tree as they decompose. 

Soft landings are plantings under native trees that provide critical habitat for pollinators. Leaf litter and low-growing plants under trees provide the needed shelter pollinators need to complete their life cycle. 

Native trees & plants are adapted to our climate and are more drought and flood-tolerant than exotic plants. Native plants form the base of the foodweb that all species (including our own) depend on. 

Grass lawns are carbon intensive to mow and maintain and don't provide habitat for pollinators. Reduce your lawn by converting part of it into a pollinator garden, pocket prairie or mini meadow. 

Non-native, fast-growing species such as bush honeysuckle, barberry and burning bush threaten our parks and natural areas by overtaking the native plants that sustain pollinators & other wildlife.  

Lawn & garden chemicals are harmful to pollinators and may have toxic effects on other wildlife, children, pets and water resources. Skip the spray. 

Leave some leaves around the base of trees and add them to garden beds. This provides habitat for butterflies and other pollinators to overwinter. 

Wait until spring to "clean-up" or cut back native plants and perennials in order to provide shelter & food for pollinators through the winter months.

Rain gardens are an attractive and pragmatic way to capture roof runoff, especially when used with gutters and downspouts. These shallow areas can be planted with native flowers and shrubs which help slow and filter water, replenishing the aquifer and slowing the flow of water to local creeks.

Take care to prevent any grass clippings, yard debris, pet waste or any chemicals used in car repair from washing into streets, storm drains or culverts. Never drain pool or hottub water directly to storm drains.